BAUCHI, NIGERIA — In a decisive move aimed at curbing widespread extortion and protecting the local business community, the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of the production and distribution of the Unified Business Identification Cards across all twenty local government areas of the state.
The executive directive, which takes effect immediately, follows a series of alarming intelligence reports and complaints from local traders regarding a sophisticated extortion ring. Fraudulent syndicates have allegedly weaponized the state’s security initiative, using counterfeit versions of the identification cards to fleece unsuspecting shopkeepers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.
The official announcement of the suspension was conveyed through a formal press statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security, Alhaji Babayo Liman.
According to the administration, the Unified Business Identification Card scheme was originally conceptualized as a progressive, data-driven security measure. Its primary objectives were to enhance internal security by creating a comprehensive, centralized database of all commercial operators functioning within the borders of Bauchi State, to verify business authenticity by providing a verifiable means of identification for legitimate traders, and to streamline operations to foster a safer economic environment where the state government could easily collaborate with recognized business unions and trade associations.
Despite these noble administrative intentions, the initiative quickly became compromised by opportunistic criminal elements who exploited the rollout phase to launch an unauthorized tax and levy collection scheme.
Disquiet among the state’s trading communities escalated into a full-blown government investigation after numerous reports surfaced detailing the activities of rogue agents. Investigators discovered that these fraudulent individuals were patrolling major markets, commercial hubs, and rural trading centers, posing as official representatives of both the Bauchi State Government and the Department of Internal Security.
These syndicates were reportedly coercing vulnerable business owners into paying an unauthorized fee of 3,000 Naira per card. Traders who hesitated or questioned the legitimacy of the operation were often threatened with heavy fines, seal-offs, or total closure of their business premises.
The statement from the Governor’s security aide shed light on the gravity of the breach:
"Investigations uncovered that some fraudulent persons were collecting about N3,000 from traders while falsely claiming to represent the state government and the Department of Internal Security. This is a gross violation of the trust and intent behind the program."
In light of these findings, Governor Mohammed intervened to prevent further financial exploitation of the state's citizenry, particularly during a time of broader economic challenges.
To rectify the systemic vulnerabilities exposed by this scam, the Bauchi State Government is stripping the current operators of their mandates and completely restructuring the program's oversight.
"In response, the state governor has approved an immediate suspension of the production and issuance of the ID cards pending a full review and investigation," Liman’s statement read.
Once the comprehensive investigation is concluded, the entire architecture of the scheme will be handed over to the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. By embedding the project within a formal ministerial framework, the government aims to establish rigorous checks and balances, ensure absolute transparency, and implement strict monitoring protocols that prevent third-party manipulation.
Under the original framework, the program suffered from decentralized production with vulnerabilities, making it highly susceptible to rogue third-party actors and unregulated fees extorted by scammers. Under the new proposed structure, operations will be centralized under the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, featuring strict civil service oversight, biometric validation, and clear, transparent, and officially communicated guidelines.
The Bauchi State Government has issued a severe warning to those behind the counterfeit syndicates. Security agencies across the state have been placed on high alert, with mandates to track down, arrest, and prosecute any individual found manufacturing, distributing, or demanding payment for any business identification document during this suspension period.
Alhaji Babayo Liman strongly urged the public—particularly market union leaders, small business owners, and transport operators—to remain vigilant and completely resist any demands for money regarding the suspended cards.
"We are calling on all members of the public to immediately report anyone involved in this extortion to the nearest law enforcement agency," Liman emphasized. "The government will not fold its arms and watch criminal elements sabotage its well-meaning policies to exploit hardworking citizens. Offenders will be arrested and face the full wrath of the law."
Market leaders across Bauchi have reportedly welcomed the Governor's swift intervention, expressing relief that the financial bleeding of their members has been halted. Meanwhile, a high-powered investigative panel is expected to submit its preliminary findings on the counterfeiting ring to the state executive council within the coming weeks.
